Oregon Helicopter Crew Rescues Injured Hikers After Avalanche in Washington Forest

Coast Guard air crew evacuates two people from Olympic National Forest after ground teams unable to reach them safely.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, Oregon, helped rescue two hikers from Olympic National Forest on Sunday evening after they were injured in an avalanche. Officials say a 51-year-old hiker suffered abdominal injuries from a fall, and a 16-year-old hiker injured their knee trying to assist the other person. The air crew arrived on the scene just before 9 p.m. and transported both individuals to Olympia Regional Airport for medical evaluation.

Why it matters

Avalanche rescues in remote wilderness areas can be extremely challenging, requiring coordination between ground search and rescue teams and air support. This incident highlights the importance of the Coast Guard's role in providing emergency medical evacuation capabilities in areas that are difficult to access by land.

The details

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, watch-standers at the Coast Guard Northwest District received a call to assist the Mason County Special Operations team in rescuing the two injured hikers. Ground teams were unable to safely evacuate the patients, so the Coast Guard air crew from Air Station Astoria arrived on the scene and lifted both individuals to safety before transporting them to the airport for medical care.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday evening.
  • The Coast Guard air crew arrived at the mountain just before 9 p.m.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Mason County Special Operations

A local search and rescue team in Mason County, Washington that responded to the incident in the Olympic National Forest.

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What’s next

The Coast Guard and local authorities will likely investigate the cause of the avalanche and assess any potential risks to hikers in the area.

The takeaway

This rescue operation demonstrates the vital role that the Coast Guard and other emergency services play in responding to medical emergencies and natural disasters in remote wilderness areas, where access and evacuation can be extremely challenging.